Having been teaching for over 20 years, my philosophy has stayed the same: to teach my students to have an appreciation for music that will stay with them for a lifetime. I don't expect all of my students to want to become professional musicians, but in teaching them to play to the best of their ability, they will acquire skills that can be applied in so many areas of life. By playing an instrument and practicing, traits like perseverance, dedication, passion, determination, and most of all, patience are achieved. The satisfaction they get from achieving their goal, whether it be completing a recital, having a successful audition, making 1st chair in their band, or playing in an orchestra, is priceless.